Reception set to honor superintendent of the year
The Richland Parish School Board will honor Louisiana Association of School Superintendents 2021 Louisiana Superintendent of the Year Sheldon Jones with a reception from 4-5:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Richland Parish School Board-Professional Development Room.
“Jones has been the Superintendent of Richland Parish Schools for the past 10 years,” the school board said in announcing the reception. “Richland Parish is extremely proud of Mr. Jones, his leadership and his many accomplishments over the past 10 years. Under his untiring leadership, the Richland Parish School System has become a highly recognized district, and it continues to make healthy academic strides under the impeccable guidance of Mr. Jones.”
The public is invited to attend the reception and is asked to wear masks as CDC mitigation is required.
“I am humbled to receive this honor from my peers and will use this platform to elevate public education in Richland Parish and northeast Louisiana,” Jones said. “We are fortunate to have outstanding board members, students, parents, employees and community supporters in Richland Parish.”
Jones was presented the award during an opening session at the association’s Fall Conference held on Nov. 4-6 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge. On Oct. 14, Jones was selected 2021 Region VIII Superintendent of the Year. Region VIII consists of 16 school districts across northeast Louisiana. Jones then competed for the state honor with other regional finalists from DeSoto, Evangeline, Sabine, West Baton Rouge and Orleans parishes.
Each year, LASS acknowledges outstanding performance and achievement by superintendents in various regions across Louisiana. Jones, currently completing his tenth year as superintendent, was selected for his outstanding leadership and dedicated service to education in Louisiana.
“On behalf of the Richland Parish School Board, I would like to congratulate Superintendent Sheldon Jones on being named LASS Superintendent of the Year,” Richland Parish School Board President Kevin Eppinette said. “Mr. Jones has represented Richland Parish Schools with a tireless drive and determination to push our school system to be a role model for other systems not only in the state, but also nationwide.”
Jones now advances to submitting his application for the 2021 National Superintendent of the Year sponsored by the American Association of School Administrators, AIG Retirement Services and First Student. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, AASA will recognize state and national winners at its National Conference on Education hosted virtually on Feb. 18-19.
The Louisiana Association of School Superintendents is the umbrella organization for the state’s 69 school superintendents. The association’s eight regions divide Louisiana geographically allowing its leaders to participate in professional development at the local level. Mike Faulk serves as LASS Executive Director. Jones currently serves as vice-president on the LASS Leadership Team. He has been an educator in Richland Parish for 24 years.